FLORENCE, Ala. – The University of North Alabama will host a grand opening ceremony for the new George S. Lindsey Theatre and the Ernest Borgnine Performance Hall March 2 at 4 p.m. The theatre is located at the corner of Pine and Irvine streets on the south side of Norton Auditorium.

Officials broke ground on the new black box theatre in March of 2011. The theatre is located on the back of Norton Auditorium, where it shares the Norton scene shop. Unlike Norton Auditorium, the new black box theatre is designed specifically for professional theatrical use. It offers a transformative stage and allows for a unique, intimate setting with audiences.

The $2 million facility has been funded through state bond money, UNA’s capital fund and private philanthropy. Carole Maynard, events coordinator in the Department of Music and Theatre, said the new black box theatre has been a long anticipated venue in the UNA and area communities.

“We’re looking forward to having a theatre that faculty and students will have as a state-of-the-art space they can utilize to further enhance their hands-on experience in theatre,” she said. “The space itself is a unique venue for audiences. The stage setting is very fluid and can be modified for each performance and makes each performance very unique for students and audience members.”

The grand opening ceremony March 2 is an invitation-only event where refreshments will be provided to attendees. Officials will unveil the names of the new facilities at 3:30 p.m. where actors George Lindsey and Ernest Borgnine will be present. Attendees will proceed to the lawn of Coby Hall for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Maynard said an open house for students will be scheduled later this semester.

“The opening of the black box theatre has been a long-awaited day for all of us – for the university community and especially for the students and professors of theatre,” said Dr. William G. Cale, UNA president. “We’re excited for them to have this professional stage for classes, rehearsals and professional productions. I look forward to attending the first play.”

For more information, contact the Department of Music and Theatre at 256-765-4516 or email Department Chair Dr. David McCullough at dmmcullough@una.edu.